Sydney coach Paul Roos will enter the last year of his AFL coaching career with a fine hanging over his head.

The AFL has handed Roos a suspended $5,000 fine for abusing an interchange steward after a free kick was awarded against his team during last Sunday's MCG clash with Collingwood.

"It is extremely important that the right message is sent from AFL level to the community regarding respect for officials," AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said.

Roos contacted both the steward and the AFL on Monday to apologise for his outburst, which Anderson said was taken into account in deciding the penalty.

Roos will hand the coaching reins over to assistant John Longmire at the end of next season.

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